Dream (Norenmin)

2

The next day was much of the same, Jaemin was gone but at least he ate some leftovers from the dinner he didn't get. Jeno is hoping he's not too mad at him though. He hasn't had a chance to explain himself and it feels weird.

Jaemin woke up puffy, with a headache and had to get out as soon as possible. He wasn't meeting his new friend this morning like he has been for the past two weeks, and he's thankful because he looks like shit but also wishes he had a reason to leave and someone to talk to. He wanders to the cafe where him and Jeno always eat because he likes their coffee and sits and drinks a strong cup pondering this very issue. Why would Jeno always bring him here to his favorite place? Why does he always consider his feelings except for last night? He wonders what kept him out so late, what was more important? Was he with someone else? He figures he can maybe ask later if he finds the courage. He's so deep in thought he doesn't notice the person coming closer until they have sat down and set a to go cup in front of him. Startled he jumps a little then tries to hide his face.
"Here, I got you one to go as a sorry for last night." Jeno says feeling genuinely horrible.
"Bu- but you don't have to, you bought me food and I wasn't awake for it so I should buy you something." He says with a small Pout to his voice.
"Look, Jaem I'm really sorry. I feel bad that I was late. I m-me um I got paired with a partner in culinary class and we hung out to plan our project."
He doesn't know why he can't tell him about Renjun and how he swept him off his feet as soon as he seen his face but he still holds guilt for it.
"I'm sorry, it took longer than I thought it would." Jaemin sighs he's glad Jeno doesn't know he was crying like a baby about it or he would feel really foolish right now.
"It's really ok, and thanks for the coffee." He gently pats Jeno's hand making him freeze and stare at their hands when he starts to play with his fingers. Jaemin notices that he looks uncomfortable again so he backs off while Jeno is just trying to fight off those tingly feelings again.
"I-I should go. I have to get to class." Jaemin said leaving the other to sulk. He really misses his best friend lately.
Throughout the day Jeno noticed that Renjun was actually in a few of his lectures so he would find reasons to talk to him at least until the last class which they were partners so they just sat together.
"How was your day so far?" Renjun asks cutely making Jeno feel a new warm and fuzzy feeling in his chest. He's used to it from Jaemin because he's been feeling that for years. He's of course been denying it on the premise that he doesn't want to ruin their friendship, you know same old story. Now he feels this new sensation, just as nice but not as deep yet.
"I had a rough night last night to be honest, I was late bringing food to my best friend after promising that I would and he was in bed when I got home and I felt really bad." Renjun makes a pouty face and tries to apologize but Jeno beats him to it.
"It was my fault for forgetting but I had a really nice time talking to you last night so that part I don't regret, besides I made it up to him and got him his favorite coffee to take to his first class and he did get some pretty good left overs for breakfast." Renjun smiles still with pink cheeks from what he said.
"I had a nice time with you too." That was hard for him to say, he doesn't have the most confidence with these things.
"We should pick a theme and type of food for our project while we have some time left then we can go out again to pick recipes tonight? This time I don't have any plans or promises to fulfill, I swear." Renjun giggles as he nods his head yes.
"I would like that." Jeno smiles, satisfied that he gets to go out with him again but this time wants to go home early enough to see Jaemin.

After a couple of hours and some good food they part ways. Jeno walked him home again and whistles happily all the way home.
"Why do you look so happy?" Jaemin asks as he walks through the door.
He pauses for only a second and looks at Jaemin feeling that familiar feeling but this time it doesn't make him feel dread but even happier.
"Maybe because you're awake and I get to spend some time with my favorite person?" Jaemin just shakes his head.
"Mm Hmm, I smell a lie. I cooked your favorite fried rice tonight." Jaemin says smiling.
"Oh? Well I already, you know what I still have room." Now he feels like he fucked up again, he really needs to text more to keep up with everything.
He slowly stuffed it down and Jaemin wasn't blind not to see it. He gets up to go shower and throws a look his way.
"If you already ate you don't have to lie about it, just maybe let me know and I won't bother." He tries to hide the hurt in his voice but Jeno picked up on it. After he left the room Jeno slammed his fist into the table, angry with himself again.
He got up and cleaned his dish before sulkily going to his room. He was really hoping to spend some quality time with Jaemin tonight but maybe tomorrow will be better.